President William Ruto unveiled the rebranded Kazi Mtaani program, now called Climate Work Mtaani, during the National Youth Service (NYS) officer pass-out ceremony in Gilgil, Nakuru County.
The revamped initiative shifts its focus toward environmental conservation and sustainability, with NYS officers taking on supervisory roles to guide young people in climate-related activities.
“This program is designed to engage more young people in environmental initiatives, manage our sustainability efforts, and address climate issues through active climate action,” President Ruto stated during the ceremony.
Climate Work Mtaani is a significant departure from the original Kazi Mtaani, which primarily focused on infrastructure and community service. The new initiative aims to address climate change by integrating environmental goals into its framework. This transformation aligns with Kenya’s broader climate action plan and commitment to sustainability.
One of the key targets set by the President is to plant 15 billion trees, a milestone that will significantly contribute to Kenya’s efforts to combat climate change. To achieve this, President Ruto has instructed the NYS minister to work closely with the ministers of environment, housing, and defense to enhance the program’s effectiveness.
“This effort is not just about creating jobs; it’s about empowering our youth to take responsibility for environmental stewardship,” Ruto added, highlighting the dual benefits of job creation and fostering a sense of environmental responsibility among the youth.
The rebranded Climate Work Mtaani is expected to create employment opportunities for many young people while advancing Kenya’s commitment to environmental conservation.
By involving the youth in greening initiatives, the program aims to improve the country’s ecological health and contribute to global climate action efforts.
